Chapter 106: The Heavenly Sword Sect
This novel is translated and hosted only on bcatranslation.
Yu Zhao casually flipped the grilled fish in her hand as she faced Ji Han Zhou, asking, “Ji Han Zhou, which sect are you from?”
This wasn’t just any grilled fish. Instead of catching it the old-fashioned way, Yu Zhao had summoned it directly from the sea using her spiritual powers. Despite spending all day on a rocky outcrop without catching as much as a piece of seaweed, she wouldn’t confess her lack of fishing skills. In her mind, it was merely unfortunate timing, and she was determined to try again tomorrow.
“Sister, I’m a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect,” Ji Han Zhou replied politely, his hands resting on his knees. His calm demeanor didn’t betray any surprise at Yu Zhao’s ability to pinpoint his background—a skill they both shared as sect disciples.
“The Heavenly Sword Sect? But that’s in the Northern Domain. What brings you all the way to the Southern Sea?” Yu Zhao queried, her eyebrow arching in curiosity.
In the world of cultivation, there was a well-known structure: one sect, two schools, and four factions. The sole sect was the Five Elements Sect, to which Yu Zhao belonged. The two schools included the Green Wood Sect and Ji Han Zhou’s Heavenly Sword Sect. Meanwhile, the four factions comprised the Achievement Pavilion, known for its artifact crafting; Harmony Temple, renowned for Buddhist practices; Taibai Academy, a scholarly haven; and the Hundred Flowers Valley, led by female cultivators.
While the Five Elements Sect and the Green Wood Sect were based in the Central Domain, the frigid Northern Domain housed the Heavenly Sword Sect. The Southern Sea, where they now conversed, was miles away from these locations. Yu Zhao pondered why Ji Han Zhou, a mere Foundation Establishment disciple, had ventured so far from home.
The more she considered his name, the more it echoed with familiarity, as if she had encountered it before in her readings or discussions.
Ji Han Zhou offered a sheepish grin. “It wasn’t exactly by choice. An ancient spell formation teleported me here.”
He then shared his tale: While practicing swordsmanship on a snow-clad mountain back in the Northern Domain, he inadvertently set off an avalanche. The disturbance roused a hibernating demonic snow beast, which, irked at being awakened, pursued Ji Han Zhou across snowy terrains for three relentless days and nights. Though their strength was comparable, the snow beast thrived in its frosty domain. In a desperate attempt to escape, Ji Han Zhou stumbled upon an ancient teleportation formation. Without a second thought, he activated it and found himself transported to a mountain adjacent to the Breeze Sect. Exhausted and barely conscious, he managed to swallow a healing pill before collapsing in a cave.
Yu Zhao listened intently, admiration creeping into her gaze. Ji Han Zhou was the renowned sole progeny of the Nine Flowers Sword Sovereign from the Heavenly Sword Sect, a prodigious talent hailed as a once-in-a-millennium sword genius. The sect pinned their hopes on him to ascend as a Sword Sovereign.
It dawned on her why his name didn’t immediately ring a bell. Similar to Senior Sister Jin Yue in her former life, Ji Han Zhou was like a comet—dazzling yet short-lived. He had vanished during an outing and faded into oblivion.
Reflecting on her previous life, Yu Zhao realized that around this period, Ji Han Zhou had disappeared, likely perishing alongside Master Ziwei by committing a suicide attack.
A wave of emotion washed over her. Her rebirth had altered not just her and Senior Sister Jin Yue’s destinies but had ripple effects across many lives.
“What are you thinking about, sister?” Ji Han Zhou inquired, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
She corrected him gently, “Don’t call me ‘sister.’ You can call me Senior Sister Yu Zhao.”
The term “sister” felt too familiar, and Yu Zhao preferred a more formal address.
Ji Han Zhou’s almond-shaped eyes shimmered with unshed tears as he pouted slightly, clearly struggling with the formality. Yet, unable to withstand her formidable presence, he averted his gaze and acquiesced, “Senior Sister Yu Zhao.”
Yu Zhao offered a satisfied smile and handed him the grilled fish. Ji Han Zhou accepted it eagerly, and his eyes lit up with surprise at the first bite. It was delicious beyond his expectations.
“This is great! Senior Sister Yu Zhao, have you cooked before?” His casual question stirred a flood of nearly forgotten memories within Yu Zhao.
When Yu Zhao was ten, she began to learn cooking because her Third Senior Brother Su Ming had often grumbled about the monotony of the sect’s meals. At that young age, she was so petite she needed to stand on a stool just to reach the kitchen counter. Despite her busy schedule of cultivation exercises, Yu Zhao took the time to learn culinary skills from the head chef at the Five Grains Hall. After much effort, she finally mastered the art of preparing a full meal.
However, by the time she became proficient at cooking, Su Ming had advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage and no longer required physical sustenance. Yu Zhao felt a pang of disappointment, but she didn’t let it hinder her spirits for long. She continued to prepare spiritual meals for her five senior brothers and their master whenever she found some free time. Initially, they were delighted and showered her with praise for her thoughtful gestures. But as time went on, her efforts became expected, and their gratitude faded.
Her dedication eventually led to a conflict when, under the guidance of Master Qing Yan, Yu Zhao found herself struggling with the Sea Moon Technique. Fang Cheng Lang, seeing her stagnation, accused her of neglecting her cultivation for what he deemed trivial pursuits. He sternly forbade her from visiting the Five Grains Hall and demanded she dedicate herself solely to her training.
Reflecting on those days, Yu Zhao felt a flush of embarrassment. She had invested so much effort into something that not only brought her no personal joy but was also dismissed as frivolous. She had diligently prepared those meals without ever tasting them herself, only to face criticism instead of appreciation.
Shaking her head, Yu Zhao felt a sharp sting of regret. Fortunately, life had offered her a second chance. In this new lifetime, she was determined not to squander her energy on trivialities or on people who didn’t value her efforts.
As Ji Han Zhou savored the grilled fish, he occasionally glanced at Yu Zhao, puzzled by her changing expressions—from sadness to a steely resolve. “What is Senior Sister Yu Zhao thinking about? Her mood seems to fluctuate so much. It’s quite peculiar.”
The Next Day
Armed with renewed vigor, Yu Zhao confidently wielded her upgraded fishing rod and cast the line with a flourish, determined to catch something worthwhile. Ji Han Zhou, curious about her sudden enthusiasm, crafted a simple rod and joined her. They spent the whole day by the water from dawn till dusk, but their lines remained eerily still, untouched by any sign of aquatic life.
With a disheartened expression, Ji Han Zhou turned to her, “Senior Sister Yu Zhao, should we keep waiting?”
This novel is translated and hosted only on bcatranslation.
Yu Zhao, frowning slightly, stowed her fishing rod, “The wind’s off today. Let’s try again tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
The Third Day
“It must be the bait. We’ll change it tomorrow.”
“Alright.”
The Fourth Day
“The hook must be the issue. Let’s switch to a new one tomorrow.”
“Sure.”
The Fifth Day
After several days of fruitless attempts and growing frustration, Yu Zhao finally faced the truth. “Junior Brother Ji, your injuries are mostly healed. I think it’s time we focus on finding a way out of here.”